Category Archives: Fridays with Friends

Fridays with Friends… Meet Dave Drumheller

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What is your name and where do you live?

My name is Dave Drumheller and I currently live in North Haven, CT with my wonderful wife Melissa and our little guy, Christopher.

Where did your love of Walt Disney World come from?

Like many, my love of Walt Disney World came from visiting as a small child with my family. My parents took my sister, brother, and myself many times throughout our childhood. My love for this place only grew as time went on. I made several trips with friends during my college years and introduced my wife to WDW on our honeymoon. We continue to love it as we bring our 5 year-old son as often as possible.

What is your favorite WDW Park Attraction and why?

This is such a hard question since there are so many amazing attractions at Walt Disney World. However, if I have to pick one it would have to be the Haunted Mansion. I love everything about this attraction, from the story to the special effects. It is also our son’s favorite so we must ride it several times whenever we visit the Magic Kingdom.

Who is your favorite Disney Character?

This is another tough question, but I would probably have to say Mickey. As Walt said, “I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.”  As a nostalgic, I will always have a warm spot for the “Big Cheese.”

What is your favorite food on WDW Property?

Ok……it is impossible to pick one favorite food.  Five things just popped into my head in no particular order:  Dole Whips in Adventureland, Nutella Waffles in Liberty Square, Pecos Bill’s Burgers, Funnel Cake at the American Adventure, and the Lefse in Norway. Sorry, I couldn’t name just one!

If you could work for Walt Disney World, what would be your dream job?

This is an easy one!  My dream job is to be a tour guide at Walt Disney World.  I am in the process of making that dream come true with WDW Guided Tours. (shameless plug!)

Do you collect anything Disney, and if so, what?

I am not a big collector, however I do keep most of the memorabilia from each of our trips. I have a box full of things like guide maps, entertainment schedules, and room keys. I also have a pretty extensive library of Walt Disney World related books.

Do you stay on WDW Property, and if so, where?

Yes, we always stay on Disney property when we visit. As a relatively new DVC member we love to try different places each time, but our favorite has to be Bay Lake Tower. I’ve been fortunate to have stayed at every Walt Disney World resort except for the Boardwalk. That is definitely the next one on the list.

What is your favorite WDW Memory?

This is another difficult question because I have so many memories of WDW. However, I would have to say that spending our honeymoon there certainly stands out as being the most magical.

If you won a million dollars that could only be used for WDW, what would you do with it?

This is a great question.  Walt Disney World has given me so much happiness over the years that I would want to use the money to send others to this wonderful place who couldn’t otherwise afford it.  I have been moved by so many great people in the Disney fan community who have raised incredible amounts of money for organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Most of us who love WDW want to share our experiences with others. I think a million dollars would certainly help many less fortunate people get to experience this magical place for themselves.

Are you involved in any Disney Communities, Groups, or Websites? Which ones?

Yes.  I am active in many Disney online fan communities.  Of course I enjoy being part of The Relocated Tourist family.  I also enjoy participating in chats and meets that are hosted by Lou Mongello of WDW Radio. In addition to being a DVC member, I have recently become a member of D23. I also write my own blog over at DigitalDisneyWorld.com where I feature ways we can stay connected to WDW through modern technology.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

Faith plays a very large role in my life. I feel that I’m truly blessed in so many ways. I believe that people should follow their passion, and I’m doing that right now. For the past year I have worked very hard turning my passion for Walt Disney World into my full time profession.  Along with my blog and WDW Guided Tours business, I have also become a Disney vacation planner.  As Amy (our gracious host here at The Relocated Tourist) says: “You only have one life to live,” in referring to her courageous move to Central Florida. I am happy to be living my dream, and I enjoy helping others experience a little Disney magic for themselves!

Fridays with Friends… Meet Jennifer Makin

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What is your name and where do you live?

My name is Jennifer Makin, and I live in Rootstown, Ohio.
 
Where did your love of Walt Disney World come from?

I always loved Disney movies and the Wonderful World of Disney on Sundays.  Whenever I saw commercials for Walt Disney World I always wanted to go.  I never went as child, so I couldn’t wait to take my kids someday.  We finally went for the first time when our youngest was almost 2 and our oldest was 4-1/2.  We had the most magical time and have been every year since then.
 
What is your favorite WDW Park Attraction and why?

That is a hard question…I love sooo many attractions.  I guess I will say Soarin’ because it feels like flying and you get see (and smell) so many beautiful sights.
 
Who is your favorite Disney Character?

I love all the Disney Characters, but I will go with Mickey Mouse!  It all started with him and I can’t help but smile and be happy when I see him.
 
What is your favorite food on WDW Property?

Vegetable Flatbread at Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios.
 
If you could work for Walt Disney World, what would be your dream job?

Picking a family for a Magical Moment.

Do you collect anything Disney, and if so, what?

Disney Ornaments and kitchen items.

Do you stay on WDW Property, and if so, where?

We have always stayed on property at the value resorts.  We have stayed at All Star Movies & Sports and Pop Century.

What is your favorite WDW Memory?

The first year we went my daughter was sleeping and my husband was carrying her around the parks.  We stopped in at a gift shop at Hollywood Studios and they had a large display of lots of Mickey and Minnie Mouse stuffed animals and the sales person said to put her in with the stuffed animals and we have the cutest pictures of her sound asleep in between a mountain of Mickey and Minnie Mouse stuffed animals.

If you won a million dollars that could only be used for WDW, what would you do with it?

I would take a Disney Cruise to all their destinations, stay at Aulani in Hawaii, visit Disneyland, and of course spend a ton of time experiencing EVERYTHING at Walt Disney World.

Are you involved in any Disney Communities, Groups, or Websites? Which ones?

The Relocated Tourist is the only one I’m involved in, but also visit wdwmagic.com, allears.net, wdwinfo.com, chipandco.com, and intercot.com.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I have been married to my wonderful husband for almost 13 years, and we have a 10 year pirate and a 7 year old princess.  We are planning on moving near Walt Disney World in the next 2-3 years.

Fridays with Friends… Meet Monica Francis

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What is your name and where do you live? 

My name is Monica, and I live in Raleigh, NC

Where did your love of Walt Disney World come from?

I wouldn’t say it came from anywhere in particular, I grew up since a baby with everything Disney. It’s always been a part of my life.

What is your favorite WDW Park Attraction and why?

My favorite WDW attraction would have to be Rock’n Roller Coaster. Why? I love the music, the entire theme of the attraction. I love the music blarring as you’re riding through the ‘town’ to get to the concert. It’s just awesome!!

Would you like to move to FL? When and why?

Yes, I am currently in the process of moving back to Florida. When, by the first of the year. Why? Because that is where my heart is. Home to me is New Orleans, La, but my heart resides in Florida. I love everything about it – the weather, the activities. Always something to do.

Who is your favorite Disney Character?

Aladdin, definitely! But, out of the main group of Disney characters, it would be Donald Duck :)

What is your favorite food on WDW Property?

This is tough. LOL I would have to say the hot dogs, at Casey’s Corner! But, I also love the Taco Salads at Tortuga Tavern.

If you could work for Walt Disney World, what would be your dream job?

 My dream job,hmmm..I would love to work an attraction, say, Rock’n Roller Coaster, or I’d love to drive the Monorail. I had the oportunity  back in 2009, thanks to a wonderful Manager who let me drive from Epcot to the TTC! So, yes, Monorail driver for me :)

Do you collect anything Disney, and if so, what?

I collect a lot of Disney things. Mainly, cups, mugs, throws, totes. I really like to collect things from the Mickey Mouse Club too.

Do you stay on WDW Property, and if so, where?

Yes, I stay on property, and the past few times were at Pop Century. It’s a great resort, and themed so well.

What is your favorite WDW Memory?

Driving the Monorail from Epcot to the TTC was my dream, and it came true! Best memory. Also, being the last guest on Mission:Space, and the Cast Members let me see how the ride operates. I had the entire attraction to myself. :)

If you won a million dollars that could only be used for WDW, what would you do with it?

Probably buy a lot of merchandise for my new home. I’d stay at the Contemporary, or Polynesian with a Theme Park view, eat at the finest restaurants too.

Are you involved in any Disney Communities, Groups, or Websites? Which ones?

I go to DISboards a lot, that is where my cousin is a member too. I listen to Brent Dodge’s W.E.D.nesday show, but that is about it.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

 I’m originially born and raised in New Orleans, and currently am in Raleigh, NC. I am currently planning my move back to Florida, and am very excited!